So you want to write a letter to the editor
Writing a letter to the editor is often the easiest way to get your message
in print and the letters pages of some publications are often the most widely
read section of a publication.
A letter is usually written to educate the reader or make them look at an
article published in the newspaper or magazine in a different way. In general a
letter to the editor is published if the writer:
- has been injured by something published in the paper;
- disagrees with something that was published;
- can offer expert opinion or additional information on something published;
and
- can offer an interesting opinion about a current news event.
The letter may refer to an article, editorial, opinion-editorial (op-ed)
piece or column in the publication. Alternatively, the letter may comment on a
public statement or a recent news event (eg. Destruction of stocks,
international landmines conference, recent mine incident). The letter will begin
by noting the article in question or the news event. Then the author will point
out an omission or incorrect aspect of the story and then put forward a
different argument or supply additional information. The letter may include a
personal perspective or experience or that of the organisation, which the writer
represents.
Some tips
- Write and submit your letter to the newspaper as near to the publishing date
of the offending article, or as near to an event or public statement, as
possible. Your letter is more likely to be published if it is still of
interest to the readership.
- Call the publication and ask to speak to the "letters to the
editor" department: ask how long the letter should be, ask for the name,
title and fax number, email and postal address. Check whether they will accept
faxed or emailed letters - because some publications require the original
letter.
- Write a first draft of the letter that reflects your immediate feelings and
reactions to the story. Then follow this with a second and third draft that
analyses the story or event and puts forward a strong argument.
- Make sure that you have your facts right - check with colleagues in your
campaign and other experts in the ICBL and other structures. Ask other
campaigners and friends or family to read the article and give you their
comments.
- Keep it short - editor’s hold the right to cut letters, so don’t take
several paragraphs to introduce the argument. Also, make sure that the opening
two lines are strong and simple: note the title and date of the article you
are referring to and state your position.
- Focus your argument on the article and don’t make your letter a personal
attack on the author.
- Use quotations marks to indicate phrases or sentences that are quoted from
the original article.
- Sign the letter and put your telephone number and address under your
signature. If you would like to use a pen-name (such as "ban campaigner",
"outraged" etc) then you will still need to put in your real name
underneath and contact details. The newspaper may need to contact you to
discuss an editing change they have made.
- If your letter is published: take note of what changes were made or parts
cut out for next time. If your letter is NOT published: phone the editor and
ask politely why this happened. Sometimes it is simply the luck of the draw -
your letter was one of many competing for space on that day!
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